Irish star Katie Taylor retained her lightweight world titles with a historic victory over Amanda Serrano at Madison Square Gardens. Billed as the biggest womenâs boxing match in history, the bout between Taylor and Serrano truly lived up to expectation. More than 19,100 raucous fans packed out Madison Square Garden to watch the pair battle it out. It was the first time female boxers were given the headline slot at the iconic venue.Taylor emerged triumphant in a close encounter, defeating her Puerto Rican opponent by split decision. With Taylorâs undisputed lightweight titles and her unbeaten record on the line, both fighters were forced to dig deep in the dying seconds of the bout. Both had bloody faces but refused to step back, resulting in an unbelievable flurry of punches between the pair. If the previous rounds hadn't already demonstrated this, the final seconds of the fight showed just how entertaining and fast-paced womenâs boxing can be.
Video: Unbelievable end to Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano
Taylorâs tenacity in the final round ultimately paid off, with the 35-year-old given scores of 97-93 and 96-93. The final judge scored it 96-94 to Serrano.
"I knew I was going to have to dig deep and go to the trenches,â Taylor said. âI have the heart as well as the skill. I knew I was going to be able to pull through.
"She's a phenomenal fighter. A great, great person. It was a privilege to fight her again."
The bout between Taylor and Serrano has called a âFight of the Yearâ contender, something which promoter Eddie Hearn agreed with.
âIt was an amazing fight. It was a thrilling fight. Iâve said before, the way that womenâs boxing has longevity and sustainability is through equality.
âAnd tonight, forget male or female, you just saw one of the greatest fights in the history of Madison Square Garden.
âAmazing. Iâm so proud of Katie Taylor. The greatest Irish athlete of all time in my opinion.â